Out December 3 on Icons Creating Evil Art

Icons Creating Evil Art is proud to announce the release of a very special Christmas single: a striking new duet version of Merle Haggard’s classic If We Make It Through December, performed by internationally acclaimed artist Luke Elliot and beloved Swedish singer-songwriter Sophie Zelmani. The collaboration brings together two of the most distinctive and evocative voices in modern folk-rock, transforming Haggard’s winter ballad into a deeply emotional, cinematic duet that feels both timeless and entirely new.

A serendipitous collaboration born from chaos
The idea originated while Luke Elliot was searching for the right Holiday song—after asking friends for suggestions, he received over 300 within just hours. But Haggard’s classic immediately resonated.

- “Of all the songs sitting there waiting for me to sift through on that day, this one immediately stuck out. When I played it, for some reason I imagined a duet. As far as I know, it's never been sung that way, and the idea of it sparked interest in my producer, Freddy (Holm), as well.” — says Luke.

What followed was a whirlwind. With tight deadlines and two last-minute canceled vocalists, Elliot nearly abandoned the project—until a call to longtime collaborator Simon Nordberg in Stockholm unexpectedly changed everything. Luke explains:
- “Simon asked if I’d heard about Sophie (Zelmani). I listened again and felt the impact immediately. That sad, strong, vulnerable voice. What a presence! The Gods were on my side after all!
To me, this is one of the best holiday songs ever written.  Merle was incredible at putting things together like this.  Barely three minutes and you could somehow feel you’ve ingested a Russian novel of emotion.  There’s a tinge of hope surrounded by an abyss of fear and shame.  You don’t really feel like he’s gonna make it through the season, but you want to believe anyway.  Hope in the loser.  I’ve never heard it sung as a duet, and I wanted to hear the voice of, what I imagined to be, his partner.  She’s either pulling him through or just given up herself, I’m not quite sure.  Before Sophie went in to record, I asked her to just keep that in mind and not to tell me if her voice would sing the ship into the rocks or sail off to better days.  I don’t know which she chose, but I like the ambiguity.”

Sophie Zelmani recorded her part the very next day, adding a delicate warmth and depth that elevated the duet into something extraordinary.
- “It’s a beautiful song and I feel very honored and happy to have received this request from Luke. It was a true joy to sing with such a wonderful voice like his.” — Sophie Zelmani

The result is a stirring, textured rendition that balances melancholy and hope—capturing the bittersweet soul of Haggard’s original while standing confidently on its own.

LUKE ELLIOT – A cinematic storyteller with global acclaim
Born in New Jersey and now based in Oslo, Luke Elliot has earned a devoted international following through his evocative albums Dressed for the Occasion, The Big Wind and Let ’Em All Talk. First rising from the clubs of New York’s Lower East Side to stages across Europe, he has captivated audiences with his commanding voice, dramatic songwriting, and magnetic live presence. His acclaimed work has drawn praise from major media, some exmples:

“Luke Elliot shines with the stars.” — Le Parisien

“An undeniable talent combined with a truly stunning voice.” — Rolling Stone France

“Timeless storytelling… comparisons to Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, or Tom Waits are not uncommon.” — Rolling Stone (Germany)

“A master of accessible, twisted, gothic Americana.” — MOJO

Elliot’s career spans music and acting—his compositions have appeared in award-winning films, and he has acted in major productions including Wisting and the hit series Exit

SOPHIE ZELMANI – A uniquely intimate voice
Since her 1995 debut, Swedish singer-songwriter Sophie Zelmani has built a remarkable and quietly influential career defined by subtle emotional honesty and unmistakable vocal presence. With over a dozen critically acclaimed albums, she remains one of Scandinavia’s most beloved and distinctive artists.
Her hushed, soulful delivery complements Elliot’s dramatic baritone, creating a rare and captivating musical chemistry on this duet.